Multiday Tramping

New Zealand’s wilderness on a multi-day tramp is immensely rewarding and enjoyed by thousands of Kiwis and international visitors each year. However, hiking in Aotearoa comes with some unique challenges. Our landscape can be rugged, steep, remote, covered in dense bush and exposed to wild weather patterns. Whether you’re looking to conquer one of the famous Great Walks or venture into less-traveled overnight routes, it’s important to be well prepared and have a plan to ensure you have a safe and successful trip.

Choose your Track

Tracks differ dramatically and will require different levels of fitness, equipment and planning. Choosing a track suited to you and your group is the first step in ensuring you have a safe multi-day adventure.

Consider the ability, skills and fitness of everyone in your group
Think about the equipment you will need for staying in a hut or camping
What about logistics? How will you get there?
How will you get help if something goes wrong? Will there be cellphone coverage in the area?
What is the terrain like? Will there be river crossings or bridges?

Find out more about choosing a suitable track in our Trip Planning section. Use our Plan My Walk trip planning tool to get detailed descriptions of over 1,850 tracks, and over 1,000 huts and campsites. DOC Visitor Centres and isites are another excellent source of local track information.

Our comprehensive Tramping Video Series is another valuable resource. This series showcases a selection of popular tracks and routes around the motu, highlighting typical weather conditions for the area, essential gear, estimated walking times and known hazards to watch out for on the track. Watch the promo video below.

Prepare for Your Tramp

Multi-day tramping in New Zealand is a rewarding way to connect with nature, challenge yourself and create memories that last a lifetime. However, it only takes a minor incident, like a sprained ankle, to slow you down or result in an unexpected night out. With the right preparation and thorough planning, you’ll be ready for any mishap along the way.

Here are some top tips for getting organised before you head out.

Plan as a group: Make sure everyone gets involved in the planning stage, so you all have the right gear, skills and expectations for the trip.
Check the weather: Weather conditions in NZ can change rapidly, so stay up to date with the forecast and any weather warnings on Plan My Walk.
Book your huts or campsites: Many popular tracks require advanced booking, especially during the peak season from November to April. Visit the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for availability and booking information.
Tell someone your plans: Share your itinerary with a trusted person, including when you expect to be back, your route and emergency contact information. If you're not back when expected, this person will be responsible for sending out a call for help on your behalf.
Practice your skills: Familiarise yourself with basic outdoor skills, such as setting up an emergency shelter, using a map and purifying water.
Plan your meals and water sources: Work out the food you’ll need for each day and where you can get water along the track. Always carry extra food in case of delays or other unexpected situations.
Know the hazards: Research specific risks for the track, such as river crossings, avalanche zones, or steep, exposed sections. Understand how to navigate these safely and have a plan B prepared if that’s not possible.

What you take with you will make all the difference if something goes wrong, such as getting lost, delayed or injured.

Multiday Tramping Essentials:

Waterproof jacket
Headtorch
Emergency communications device, such as a personal locator beacon
Warm clothing (not cotton)
Hat and gloves
Sturdy footwear
Water and food
Emergency shelter (if not carrying a tent)
First aid kit
Map and compass or GPS
Packliner and pack
Sun protection, including a hat, sun shirt and sunscreen
Whistle
Walking poles
Cooker, fuel and utensils
Toiletries and personal medication
Sleeping bag
Tent
Hut / Campsite Booking

pdf Basic Gear List for outdoors pdf – 207 KB

1. Choosing a track that suits everyone's abilities

If you’re heading out with a group, think about everyone’s abilities. A walk in the park for you could be a challenge for your mate.
When you are looking at the track options, make sure you consider everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.
Ask yourself: How long will it take to complete your trip? Will you be able to finish it during daylight? Is there a river crossing required? If so, do you and your group know how to do that safely?

Find a track to suit you in Plan My Walk

2. Keep an eye on the weather

Aotearoa’s weather can change quickly, so it’s important to check the weather before heading out.

Weather can make or break a trip! No matter what the weather is, it will impact your trip so be prepared to encounter anything from sun and dry weather, to rain and wind.
Pay careful attention to MetService weather watches or warnings in the area you’re planning on visiting, and have a Plan B if the forecast changes.
When packing, consider all types of weather, and pack emergency items in case something unexpected happens, such as needing to stay out for an extra night. Always take a rain jacket and warm clothes, even on a short walk, and a little extra food on an overnight trip.

Learn about the weather

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3. Tell someone where you're going

Before you head out, tell a trusted person where you’re going and when you’ll be back so they can call for help if you’re not back in time.
You can use Plan My Walk to easily do this - once you’ve make a trip plan, send it to group members and trusted contacts, including your emergency contact.
Carry a reliable communication device. In some areas, your mobile phone might be ok, however in areas without mobile coverage you’ll need to take a distress beacon.

Learn about communication device options

4. Avoid trips and slips

Most tramping and hiking injuries are caused by slips and trips. You can prevent these by watching out for uneven ground and tree roots and wearing sturdy footwear for support. Here’s four top tips to preventing these injuries:

Warm up and stretch before you set off
Consider using walking poles
Watch where you place your feet
Take your time over rough or uneven ground, especially heading downhill.

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5. Stick together

It’s important to stick together and wait for each other when the track goes in different directions, so no one takes a wrong turn.
The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another. Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
While on the track, discuss how everyone is feeling, and if someone is struggling, have a break and consider changing plans.
Make decisions together. It's important that all group members agree to changes in the planned route or transport arrangements.

Learn about skills while tramping

On Your Tramp

Once you start the trail, the real adventure begins. Tramping is not just about reaching your destination – it’s about immersing yourself in nature and enjoying the journey. Staying mindful of your surroundings and taking proactive measures will help you stay safe while making the most of the experience.

Be aware of the weather | Watch for any unexpected changes in the weather. If the conditions change, you may need to change your plans. Learn more about weather here.
Take regular breaks | Scheduled rest stops allow you to check in with each other, and hydrate and refuel.
Stick together | Agree to wait for each other at track junctions or before complex sections of the track so no one gets left behind.
Know where you are | Check the map and your surroundings to ensure you are where you should be.
Check the time | If you are you running late and won’t make it to your hut/campsite before dark, consider turning back or a suitable alternative for the night, such as a closer hut or pitching your tent.
Respect the environment | Follow the Leave No Trace principles by packing out all your rubbish and waste.

What to Do Next

Continue your preparation with our online resources, there is still plenty to learn to ensure for a safe and enjoyable trip!

Explore Our Resources

Plan My Walk | Use our free planning tool to choose tracks, get the latest weather and alerts, build a gear list and share your plan before you go.
Tramp Like a Pro | Watch to learn essential tramping skills
Skills Section | Learn essential tramping skills including navigation, river safety and other more
Manuals | Access the NZ Bushcraft Manual and other digitised resources
Tramping Safety Video Series | Watch MSC’s video series, which covers 21 of the country’s most popular tracks
How-to Videos | Learn how to pack for a tramp and many more useful tips
Tramping Activity Guide | Read our online guidebook to learn more about how to plan

Read Our Stories

You’ve Booked a Great Walk – Now What? | July 2024>
What Happened to my Toes? | January 2024
4 Things I’ve Learned From Tramping With Kids | December 2022
Journey to Confidence, Trip Tips From an Adventurer | June 2022

Multiday Tramping

Choose your Track